Having purpose, one of the Blue Zones Project Power 9® principles, is particularly timely for everyone during this unusual time. As a nation, we are facing multiple stresses—a pandemic, social inequality, financial insecurity, and a growing concern that the next generation will not be as successful or satisfied as the current one.
Actively engaging in, rather than passively reacting to, the environment profoundly influences your mental, emotional, and physical health. Although obvious and deeply woven into the fabric of work/life balance, another Blue Zones Project principle—downshifting—also has been challenged by the current chaos in our day-to-day ecosystem.
Solutions abound from antiquity to present day. “Choose a job you like and you never have to work a day in your life,” has been attributed to Confucius. Nonetheless, depending on your stage in life— planning, preparing, beginning, implementing, practicing, maturing, finishing, and enjoying the fruits of your labors—are all essential for a purposeful life. Confucius was an early identifier of purpose and downshifting.
Jumping to modern times, whether Americans are satisfied and engaged with their work is unclear. Credible sources (pre-COVID-19) show a work happiness range from more than 85% to less than 50%.
Summarized recently in a national survey, “You might not expect it, but the majority of the American workforce is a pretty happy lot. This was revealed in the first CNBC/Survey Monkey Workplace Happiness Index, announced at the @Work Talent + HR Summit [last year]. The quarterly index measures how Americans feel about their jobs across five key categories — pay, opportunities for advancement, recognition, autonomy, and meaning.”
A conflicting report by Forbes as a “job satisfaction index” sadly showed less than 50% of folks feel good about their jobs. Income inequality and perceived unfairness, with many people feeling under-employed, were the common themes. The relationship between a purposeful job and life satisfaction is powerful.
Helping people, contributing to society, and making a difference are possible in many ways, some of which may not be obvious at first. Top of mind are the essential workers— police, fire, and healthcare—those dedicated professionals who keep us safe, secure, and functioning.
However, other “essential worker” examples abound—consider safety and comfort if refuse were not picked up expediently or if mail/packages were not delivered promptly. Many working families with children are dependent on safe childcare, which traditionally was combined with a robust public education system. All these noble people have purpose in their work. Feeding the nation, transporting cargo, maintaining roadways, building homes, repairing cars, and a multitude of additional worthwhile vocations all have the common purpose of helping one another.
As shared above, work is just one component of life satisfaction. Downshifting or work/life balance is also essential—so much so that when people in their eighties were asked what they would do differently if they were given the chance to live their lives over, the three major responses were:
- Hit the “pause button” more often. Take time out to smell the roses, savor the good times, and be with family and friends. The most meaningful activity of all was spending time with family and friends. Loved Ones First is axiomatic, another Blue Zones Project principle.
- Take more chances by having the courage to try different routes or courses of action personally and professionally. Pursuing dreams and life priorities should be encouraged early on to maximize potential and minimize regret.
- Find purpose earlier in life. A sense of identity beyond a paycheck is key to finding purpose. Having one’s life matter—one definition of “a good life”—is desired by most. Sitting around idly is a waste. Yogi Berra allegedly said there are three types of people—those who make things happen, those who watch things happen, and those who ask, What happened? Finding purpose early moves people forward to take action.
Even with the current challenges, having purpose while downshifting by enjoying family is a winning combination to a longer, happier, and healthier life.